Anger as Metrolink advertises 'non-existent' fare

A DISGRUNTLED commuter is furious after he says Metrolink advertised a “non-existent” fare at Bury Interchange.

Andy Loynes first complained to Metrolink on March 24 after attempting to buy a group day travelcard for four adults travelling together that day.

There was no option on the ticket machine to buy the travelcard and Andy was forced to pay £17.20, £4.30 each, for four adults to take the tram into Manchester.

The option to buy a group day travelcard is still advertised at stops in Bury, Radcliffe and across the city, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) confirmed.

Mr Loynes, of Nelson Street, Fishpool, said: “If Metrolink withdraw a fare they should advertise the fact, not illegally advertise a fare that isn’t there.

“I reported it on March 24 but it is still being advertised illegally.

“When I complained, Metrolink ignored me for over a week and then demanded scans of tickets.

“They treat their customers with contempt — it is shockingly awful customer communications.”

A spokesperson for Metrolink said: “As part of our commitment to offer a range of tickets consistent with other types of transport, group tickets were withdrawn from sale during the annual Metrolink fare review.

“This was publicised to the media, on Twitter and on our website, but we apologise to passengers for this oversight on the ticket information poster, which is being updated and will be replaced as soon as possible.”

Comments

Babbar Divino
8:42pm Tue 29 Apr 14

There's people living on the streets, people unemployed trying to keep their head above water, children being abused and going hungry and Mr Loynes is "furious" that Metrolink have not yet replaced old ticketing information posters that advertise an option that has been withdrawn notwithstanding Metrolink have changed this on their website and publicised it on Twitter. An oversight by Metrolink, yes but a bit of perspective needed here.

There's people living on the streets, people unemployed trying to keep their head above water, children being abused and going hungry and Mr Loynes is "furious" that Metrolink have not yet replaced old ticketing information posters that advertise an option that has been withdrawn notwithstanding Metrolink have changed this on their website and publicised it on Twitter. An oversight by Metrolink, yes but a bit of perspective needed here.Babbar Divino

There's people living on the streets, people unemployed trying to keep their head above water, children being abused and going hungry and Mr Loynes is "furious" that Metrolink have not yet replaced old ticketing information posters that advertise an option that has been withdrawn notwithstanding Metrolink have changed this on their website and publicised it on Twitter. An oversight by Metrolink, yes but a bit of perspective needed here.

Score: 7

mbbsspmg
2:40pm Thu 1 May 14

Get a life mate - there are worse problems than a ticket price on public transport.

Get a life mate - there are worse problems than a ticket price on public transport.mbbsspmg

Get a life mate - there are worse problems than a ticket price on public transport.

Score: 2

AndyLoynes
4:40pm Thu 1 May 14

Hi Babbar,

You''ll note it was the Bury Times that described me as "furious." I'd have probably gone with "somewhat irritated and righteously indignant" but there you go. The reporter also picked this story up from some tweets I made to Metrolink and TfGM, rather than me knocking on the editorial door. You might also consider that the very people you list, those living on the lowest incomes, might well be those who could benefit from a cash-saving group fare - the difference between the old fare and 4 x adult tickets is not inconsiderable. It's bl**dy massive.

You'll no doubt be pleased to hear that my partner works helping those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless whilst I'm a children's centre volunteer where among other things I help people in their search for employment and/or training.

Those who know me will confirm that I also constantly rail against poverty, injustice and discrimination.

Still thanks for sparing your valuable time to comment on this story although I can't help thinking that there are people living on the streets, people unemployed..... ;-)

Hi Babbar,
You''ll note it was the Bury Times that described me as "furious." I'd have probably gone with "somewhat irritated and righteously indignant" but there you go. The reporter also picked this story up from some tweets I made to Metrolink and TfGM, rather than me knocking on the editorial door. You might also consider that the very people you list, those living on the lowest incomes, might well be those who could benefit from a cash-saving group fare - the difference between the old fare and 4 x adult tickets is not inconsiderable. It's bl**dy massive.
You'll no doubt be pleased to hear that my partner works helping those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless whilst I'm a children's centre volunteer where among other things I help people in their search for employment and/or training.
Those who know me will confirm that I also constantly rail against poverty, injustice and discrimination.
Still thanks for sparing your valuable time to comment on this story although I can't help thinking that there are people living on the streets, people unemployed..... ;-)AndyLoynes

Hi Babbar,

You''ll note it was the Bury Times that described me as "furious." I'd have probably gone with "somewhat irritated and righteously indignant" but there you go. The reporter also picked this story up from some tweets I made to Metrolink and TfGM, rather than me knocking on the editorial door. You might also consider that the very people you list, those living on the lowest incomes, might well be those who could benefit from a cash-saving group fare - the difference between the old fare and 4 x adult tickets is not inconsiderable. It's bl**dy massive.

You'll no doubt be pleased to hear that my partner works helping those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless whilst I'm a children's centre volunteer where among other things I help people in their search for employment and/or training.

Those who know me will confirm that I also constantly rail against poverty, injustice and discrimination.

Still thanks for sparing your valuable time to comment on this story although I can't help thinking that there are people living on the streets, people unemployed..... ;-)

Score: 15

Babbar Divino
7:12am Fri 2 May 14

Hi Andy

Thanks for adding some background to the original story although my point is not specifically about “people unemployed trying to keep their head above water, children being abused and going hungry”. This was used for perspective as you well know.

And yes, I’m ecstatic that you and you partner work amongst the most needy in society and that you constantly “rail” (no pun intended I’m sure) against poverty, injustice and discrimination, thanks for that but relevance?

You seem to be more concerned that this special fare has been withdrawn and you were “forced”, maybe more editorial privilege accepted, to buy 4 single tickets at £4.30 each. Last time I looked England was a relatively free country. Regardless Metrolink made an invitation to treat and you accepted the invitation. No one held a gun to your head.

Again it was written that you reported it on March 24 and it inferred that it took over a week for them to respond. I personally would not think that a particular long time considering the amount of complaints I imagine they deal with and the process they have to follow. They then “demanded” scans of tickets (again this may be editorial privilege) but I think more “requested” would be a better word. I again personally think this reasonable procedure or it would leave them open to any Tom, Dick or Harry making a complaint and asking for their money back.

I suggest that you follow Metrolink and TfGM on Twitter and this may save you valuable time and being generally “somewhat irritated and righteously indignant", oh you forgot to mention “miffed” :-)

Hi Andy
Thanks for adding some background to the original story although my point is not specifically about “people unemployed trying to keep their head above water, children being abused and going hungry”. This was used for perspective as you well know.
And yes, I’m ecstatic that you and you partner work amongst the most needy in society and that you constantly “rail” (no pun intended I’m sure) against poverty, injustice and discrimination, thanks for that but relevance?
You seem to be more concerned that this special fare has been withdrawn and you were “forced”, maybe more editorial privilege accepted, to buy 4 single tickets at £4.30 each. Last time I looked England was a relatively free country. Regardless Metrolink made an invitation to treat and you accepted the invitation. No one held a gun to your head.
Again it was written that you reported it on March 24 and it inferred that it took over a week for them to respond. I personally would not think that a particular long time considering the amount of complaints I imagine they deal with and the process they have to follow. They then “demanded” scans of tickets (again this may be editorial privilege) but I think more “requested” would be a better word. I again personally think this reasonable procedure or it would leave them open to any Tom, Dick or Harry making a complaint and asking for their money back.
I suggest that you follow Metrolink and TfGM on Twitter and this may save you valuable time and being generally “somewhat irritated and righteously indignant", oh you forgot to mention “miffed” :-)Babbar Divino

Hi Andy

Thanks for adding some background to the original story although my point is not specifically about “people unemployed trying to keep their head above water, children being abused and going hungry”. This was used for perspective as you well know.

And yes, I’m ecstatic that you and you partner work amongst the most needy in society and that you constantly “rail” (no pun intended I’m sure) against poverty, injustice and discrimination, thanks for that but relevance?

You seem to be more concerned that this special fare has been withdrawn and you were “forced”, maybe more editorial privilege accepted, to buy 4 single tickets at £4.30 each. Last time I looked England was a relatively free country. Regardless Metrolink made an invitation to treat and you accepted the invitation. No one held a gun to your head.

Again it was written that you reported it on March 24 and it inferred that it took over a week for them to respond. I personally would not think that a particular long time considering the amount of complaints I imagine they deal with and the process they have to follow. They then “demanded” scans of tickets (again this may be editorial privilege) but I think more “requested” would be a better word. I again personally think this reasonable procedure or it would leave them open to any Tom, Dick or Harry making a complaint and asking for their money back.

I suggest that you follow Metrolink and TfGM on Twitter and this may save you valuable time and being generally “somewhat irritated and righteously indignant", oh you forgot to mention “miffed” :-)

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